Your Secrets Shouted from the Housetops’Or Tweeted from My iPhone

“Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!”

Luke 12:

In last Friday’s reflection, I considered how the thought of having our secrets shouted from the housetops might affect our behavior today. I suggested that we might be much more careful about what we say and do not say, given the “future shock” of Jesus’ revelation in Luke 12:1-3.

Before I move on in Luke 12, however, I want to think with you a bit more about this notion of having our words shouted from the housetops. Jesus was offering an eschatological perspective so as to make a difference in our present behavior. If he were alive today, I wonder if he might be inclined to use different imagery. After all, we don’t need to shout from housetops anymore. We can communicate, not just with our neighbors, but with the whole world from any mobile phone, computer, or other digitally-connected device.

In the past months, we have seen example upon example of how digital technology destroys presumed secrecy. WikiLeaks exposes thousands of classified government documents, embarrassing diplomatic leaders throughout the world. A young teenager experiments with “sexting” to a friend and, before long, she is exposed to all. In my work as a pastor, I have seen theoretically confidential emails passed all over the church, leading to angry outbursts and broken relationships.

Why am I bringing this up? Because, in today’s world, I believe we have even more reason to take seriously the warning of Jesus. What we consider to be secret may very well be exposed tomorrow, not just in the age to come. This means that we must strive with even greater effort to speak, write, and act in ways that reflect well on the Lord. We must always keep in mind that we are living in an increasingly public world. Thus, as disciples of Jesus, we will seek to live each moment so as to honor him and promote his mission, whether we’re at home or at work, whether we’re on a phone call or texting a friend. In everything we do, may Christ be glorified.

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: Have you experienced a situation in which supposedly private information was revealed electronically? When you communicate through digital media, do you ever think about the possibility of your words and deeds becoming public? What might help you to live each moment in a way that brings honor to God?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, it is the desire of my heart to glorify you in my life and not to dishonor you. So help me, I pray, to live each moment with integrity. Help me to speak so that my words are truthful and gracious. In all of my communications, may I reflect your righteousness. In all of my actions, may your grace be revealed. Amen.